My beautiful courageous friend Nicole McKinney received this insightful passage this morning from Sue Urda @ Powerful You.  I wanted to share it with you, by paying it forward.

“Change is inevitable and sometimes predictable.  As we see with the economy and the seasons, cycles come and go and they often repeat themselves. These changes and cycles allow us the opportunity to take a deep breath and move forward into what is truly important.  As you look around you and see what is here for you, welcome it.  It either serves as a lesson, a new beginning or a renewed sense of personal values.  Everything is exactly as it is supposed to be, and it is here FOR you. Breathe it in.

By the way, did you know that the Chinese symbol is exactly the same for chaos as the one for opportunity?  There is great wisdom in this.

We wish you the wisdom of the elders – and the Chinese.”

This message is very timely.  Our world seems to be in chaos….what do you see?  I see opportunity, change, a bright future in store for those that have the eyes to see.  The world we all share, we have collectively created.  The future depends on each of us.  Anyone tired of war, disease, pain, chaos, suffering, limitation, fear or doubt?  Anyone?  I though so….then what are you waiting for?  Jump on the ride that takes you to peace, love, joy, health, courage, abundance and happiness.  This ride is long overdue.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage

Happy Memorial Weekend everyone. My amazing friend Nicole McKinney shared this post on her blog BCAD Group.  I would like to share it with you as a source of inspiration and direction.  Ellen has gained a great deal of wisdom on life’s journey.  I find she shares this wisdom honestly with the graduating students of Tulane University in New Orleans.

Debra Oakland@ Living in Courage Online

Ellen Degeneres Tulane Graduation Speech

I thought I would change the tone and theme of my post today and provide some humor as well as some inspiration. We all know Ellen Degeneres. I find her so funny. For those of you who do not know, Tulane University is located in New Orleans. As of today there are many who are suffering the ravages years later from Hurricane Katrina. A city with so much history and vibrant with culture….almost drown at the hands of mother nature. As this brave city shows its resilience, this speech from Ellen reminds each of us to be who we are. The power of believing in yourself will be the milestone that allows each one of us to make our most profound contribution. I came across this post from a daily feed called Splendora. Gina Pell, the founder of this trend zine as I like to call it, always finds such interesting things to cover on her weekly radar!  Enjoy — I sure did.

Happy Memorial Day to our American friends.

Best Nicole

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Leon Redbone/Zooey Deschanel is a song I love.  In preparation for winter and those who are in the snow, I dedicate this song to you.  I can pretend I am back in the snow I love to play in.

Here I sit “imagining” a blazing fire, a hot cup of coffee, lounging on a comfy couch with Cody as I watch the snow come down.  Work with me here!  It is cold outside and I am inside the house warm in my cozy sweats and happy, happy, happy.  Oh, I am even happier, my best girl Nicole McKinney has come to visit and brought chocolate chip cookies.  Could life get any better?

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online